SPRING PROJECTS TO PERK UP YOUR PATIO

With spring in full swing and gardening projects on your mind as you hunker down at home, it’s time to start thinking about enjoying the patio again. A few small projects can take that dull, blank space and turn it into a patio with panache.

1. PAINT THE FLOOR. Plain Jane concrete isn’t something to get excited about; but painting the concrete can perk up your porch or patio. Go to your local paint store and have them help you pick out a color and give you all the prep materials. It’s more time-consuming than hard, but a painted patio looks neat and stylish.

2. PAINT YOUR FURNITURE. Over the winter or after several years outdoors, patio furniture can lose its luster. Sand and spray-paint your furniture to bring it back to life. If you have a big set, look for a local painter who can sandblast and powdercoat your furniture to make it look like new again.

3 . CREATE A SEATING AREA OR AN EATING AREA. Give your patio a defined eating or seating space with an indoor/outdoor rug. Add a seating arrangement to create an outdoor living space or a table for some al fresco dining in your new outdoor room.

4 . STRING UP SOME LIGHTS. Add some string lights across the patio for great Mediterranean bistro ambiance at night. Add a timer so the lights pop on and off automatically.

5 . PLACE LANTERNS AROUND THE SPACE. Romantic and ethereal, candle lanterns set artfully around a seating area, next to a chair or on a dining table are uber-romantic and create a layered lighting effect.

6. ELECTRIFY IT. Install a sound system or electrical outlets to enjoy TV on the patio. With Wi-Fi-enabled speakers and televisions, you can turn your patio into an outdoor living room.

7. ADD WATER. Create a patio fountain out of a planter. Cluster a grouping of plants around an urn, pop in a fountain pump from your home center, and you have a terrific sound that’s peaceful and can help drown out background noise.

8. GET UNIQUE SEATING. Make lounging outdoors more inviting with a swinging bed hung from the ceiling or a pair of swinging rattan chairs. They’re trendy and will be the seat everyone wants to sit in when you go outside.

9. RE-CUSHION CHAIRS AND COUCHES. Patio cushions take a beating from the elements and the sun, so replace to refresh and update your patio. Mix solid seat cushions with patterned throw pillows for a homey feeling.

10. ADD SHADE OR STRUCTURE. If your patio is flat and exposed, it’s time to add an arbor or string up some sunshade fabric that will give you much needed shade and help you enjoy more time outdoors comfortably.

After being cooped up in the house, a patio project is the perfect way to get some fresh air and prepare for the summer months ahead.

NORTH HOMES REALTY, INC

www.century21northhomes.com

730 S BURLINGTON BLVD, BURLINGTON 877-319-7625

CONCRETE 5.37 acres w/ unobstructed views of Sauk mountain! Partially treed and ready for your vision. Just minutes to the beautiful Skagit River & state parks. #2023679 | $119,000

ANACORTES 4BD 3.5BA 3142sf backed by forest land. Beautiful craftsman woodwork, warm gas fireplace, gorgeous wood floors, large cooks kitchen with 2 ovens. #1983829 | $912,500

CONCRETE Mostly flat to gently sloped 2.38 acres w/ several potential building sites. Water rights secured and recorded for future well. Electricity at road #1870401 | $128,900

BIRCH BAY Best view in the park! 2BD 1BA singlewide on concrete slab w/ great covered area. Just a short walk to the beach! Birch Bay Village amenities. #2035156 | $80,000

SEDRO WOOLLEY Affordable living for 55+ Community! Updates throughout w/ brand new walk-in shower & new ceramic tile throughout the bathroom and shower! #2020610 | $65,000

MOUNT VERNON 3BD 2BA 1716sf in Little Mountain Estates 55+ park. Great for entertaining! Large dining room, kitchen w/ 2 ovens. Zero yard work! #1996670 | $270,000

CONCRETE 5.08 acres tucked in the forest, with a creek at the back of the lot. just minutes away from fishing, hiking, and outdoor activities. Bring your builder! #2023681 | $119,000

360.661.6164 sharon@ sharonstokes.com

425.231.2651 christinahomesalesc21@ gmail.com

EDMONDS Build here! Bring your plans to 0.57 acres w/ potential peek-a-boo views. Quiet neighborhood close to shopping, restaurants, & Haines Wharf park. #1955652 | $375,000

MOUNT VERNON 4BD 1.75BA 1176sf w/ a white picket fence on MV Hill. Fenced back yard features a patio area. large enough for BBQs. 5 mins to I-5. #2036286 | SOLD!

SULTAN 20 acres of premium land. Mostly level lot w/ marketable timber. 1+ acre cleared w/ 20x30 shop, greenhouse, & outbuildings. Well and Septic needed. #2014840 | $740,000

BURLINGTON HILL 1+ acre w/ amazing views. Water, Electric, sewer, gas available at street. Possible seller financing. Just minutes from I-5. #1934095 | $125,000

MOUNT VERNON The perfect business location for your new business in the heart of MV. Salon, office space, retail... so many possibilities! Good traffic counts. #2029460 | $6,000/month

LAKE TYEE Unload & unwind at your very own camp site! Water, septic, & electricity on site. Beautiful cover and deck. Enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, & more. #2036227 | $36,000

CASCADE RIVER PARK High-bank lot on Cascade River- fish from the bank! get away from the hustle and bustle. Surrounded by forest & wild life. Peaceful! #2025310 | $85,000

CONCRETE Beautifully treed 2.41 acres awaits your dream full-time or vacation home. Mostly flat to gently sloped w/ several potential building sites.

#1870406 | $128,900

CASCADE RIVER PARK Up-river and off-grid living! Across the road from the river w/ RV parking & fire pit. Gated community of the Cascade River Park. #2030190 | $149,000

MARBLEMOUNT Rare lot with FULL TIME Living, no recreational restriction! Fully furnished 1BD 1.5BA 836sf cabin. Metal roof. Detached bunkhouse. #2044756 | $249,000

CONCRETE Cozy, private 5+ acres w/ beautiful mountain views & tranquil forest. 2BD Park model w/ huge shop & guest/ bunk room. $172 dues, 210 days usage. #2044937 | $286,000

DARRINGTON 3BD 2.75BA 3456sf w/ mountain views & creek along east side of 1.83 acres. Floor to ceiling rock fireplace. 2 car garage. Spring-fed ond. #1984169 | $499,000